I would like this post and the post on positive book picks to grow over time and become a resource for ideas on positive books and movies to choose from. People can't pick them up if they don't know about them, so here's your chance to share the wealth!
What movies or documentaries have you seen that have had a positive impact on your life? What movies/documentaries inspire you?
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The first movie that comes to my mind is Penny Marshall's "Awakenings" with Robin Williams and Robert DeNiro.
I think it's the part about the doctor pushing on despite his detractors, and the bittersweet depiction of the patients' love of life.
Posted by: Annette | February 05, 2007 at 12:29 PM
We just saw Stranger Than Fiction which made me feel really good.
Others that I would add to the list:
-- Miracle
-- Ice Princess
-- Norma Rae
-- Hitch
-- Shall We Dance?
-- Good Will Hunting
-- Blow Dry
-- Love Actually
-- Notting Hill
-- King Ralph
I could go on and on.... but I won't,,, for now.
Posted by: Ro | February 05, 2007 at 09:45 PM
These are probably among the obvious, but two wonderful films that have completely changed my life are The Secret and What the Bleep Do We Know?
I think it's also important to change our perspective when we're watching movies. I had an epiphany recently while watching a cheesy 80's movie with lots of music montages where the guy did crazy things and got everything he wanted. In the past when I saw things like that in movies, I thought "That could never happen in real life." Now when I watch movies where traditionally improbable things happen, I think "That could totally happen!" In these movies the events unfold because it never occurs to the main characters that what they're after is unreasonable. It's my way of training myself to suspend disbelief--in movies and in life.
Posted by: Kimberly | February 06, 2007 at 10:25 AM
I am most affected by movies that leave me feeling as if there are no limits to what a person can do, or better yet, no limits to love. A couple movies that I've recently seen that actually cover both angles are:
The Illusionist and Finding Neverland. I surprised myself with how hard I cried at Neverland, I just couldn't hold it back...
Posted by: JeremyS | February 10, 2007 at 06:35 AM
My favorite happy funny movies are:
Groundhog Day
Defending Your Life
Trading Places
A Fish Called Wanda
There's Something About Mary
Galaxy Quest
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
The Man With Two Brains
The Jerk
So I Married An Axe Murderer
Austin Powers International Man of Mystery
The Spy Who Shagged Me
Meet the Parents
The Princess Bride
Amelie
50 First Dates
Finding Nemo
The Holy Grail
The Life of Brian
Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure
L.A. Story
Flirting With Disaster
Moonstruck
When Harry Met Sally
Bandits
Roxanne
Dude Where's My Car
Just Married
Back to the Future
Working Girl
A Close Shave
Ghost Busters
4 Weddings and a Funeral
All of Me
Romancing the Stone
Heaven Can Wait
Private Benjamin
Risky Business
Meatballs
Animal House
Sheesh, I'd better stop now...
Posted by: Joan Carlson | February 21, 2007 at 11:58 PM
To me, really positive movies are the ones that not only leave you feeling good but also leave you thinking. The movies that show you images of life that are completely outside of your paradigm, but leave you feeling as though they could be real just the same.
So with that in mind I am going to start with what I consider to be the classic positive movie:
"It's a Wonderful Life"
The movie may seem a little cliche to us now, but that is only because we have seen so many variations on its theme. When it came out it was groundbreaking, and to this day I can sit down, watch it, and feel more positive about the world.
I am a big James Stewart Fan, and I would be remiss to not include:
"Harvey"
Not only is it one of James Stewart's best films, but it is the sort of movie that will make you reexamine your relationships with other people.
Next, I would have to go to the movie that reminds us of how much of our lives are wasted by fear:
"Defending Your Life"
This is a movie that really puts a guy under the microscope and examines the way he lives. It is a reminder to all of us that we need to examine our own lives and remember to enjoy life from time to time.
A movie that has resonated with me since I was a small child, and really left me with a feeling that there could be magic and wonders beyond expectation around any corner (or hidden in any book) is:
"The Neverending Story"
There are many fantasy movies that I enjoy, but none made me feel like the fantasy was part of the real world like Neverending Story.
For a more lighthearted movie that always leaves me feeling uplifted (and makes we wonder how much I could learn in one day) I have to mention:
"Groundhog Day"
Groundhog Day has never failed to lift my spirits and make me feel like I can become the person I want to be.
Finally, I am going to end with a movie that probably won't make most people's lists. The fact that it isn't a comedy doesn't detract from its ability to show us the world in completely different way.
"The Matrix"
This is a film that was groundbreaking in every sense of the word. From a purely philosophical sense, it gives the viewer the feeling that they might have more control over reality than they ever dreamed. The sharp contrast between the people who are going about their daily routine within the Matrix and those who are outside looking in is one of the most powerful messages I have ever seen. Even if we aren't plugged into a machine Matrix (and I don't believe we are) it leaves you with an incredible feeling that everything we see is just a stage and that there is an entirely different world behind the curtain that is just waiting to be discovered.
So there is my list, along with my rationale. I could have just listed the movies, but personally I feel it is less important to tell you my choices than it is to explain why I chose them.
P.S. I had links to each movie, but TypePad wouldn't let me leave the comment because it said it believed it was spam. You should be able to find all of the movies listed here on Amazon.
Posted by: Sheridan | March 27, 2007 at 07:43 AM
Some of the most enjoyable and inspiring movies I have seen are
1)Children of Heaven
2)Pursuit of Happyness
3)Life is beautiful
4)Born into Brothels
5)Mr and Mrs Iyer
Posted by: Aarthi | March 27, 2007 at 08:44 AM
Love Actually
Last Holiday
Music and Lyrics
These are the movies I watch when I need a pick-me-up (I can't wait for Music and Lyrics to come out on DVD!)
Posted by: Dawn Goldberg | March 27, 2007 at 09:40 PM
Even though you'll hurt most of the way through it, The Pursuit of Happyness has to be the best most positive film of the last year.
I'd add to the list (as someone else has) Finding Neverland, partly for its themes dealing with manhood, boys becoming men, the affirmation of creativity.
Great post, man.
Posted by: Pete Aldin | March 28, 2007 at 02:12 AM
Wow, I must be the only sports fan that reads this blog. Because to feel good, get adrenaline coursing, there is nothing that can compare to:
Rudy
Remember the Titans
Hoosiers
Coach Carter
I haven't seen Invincible yet, but I'm guessing it will make my list as well. You guys GOTTA watch these, PLEASE!
Posted by: Career Change Info | March 28, 2007 at 10:31 AM